Out of the corner of my eye I saw a quick movement. I looked down and realized I was right next to his front door.
I waited, hoping he would return … he did. Ever so gently, or so I thought; I reached for my camera. That movement sent him scurrying back inside.
Now the game was on.
Somehow I knew he wouldn’t stop working and that he had to take a chance. I believe he knew I wasn’t going anywhere, anytime soon!
He came back up to the surface, keeping his eyes on me. Slowly, I reached for my camera again … click … off he ran. A short while later, he reappeared with a little more confidence, and yes, defiance in his eyes with a message that said: “I got here first!” and then he disappeared yet again.
I watched him scurry back up, his claws holding sand and with a quick sideways flick, he disposed of it and ran back down for more.
The little crab continued to work through any fears he may have had. Perhaps he ‘assessed the danger was not real’ and so kept doing what he needed to do.
Smart guy!
What did you learn from the natural world this summer?
Everything teaches us something,
